Clarifying Deadhead Deviation

Date:
November 13, 2018

JCBA Section 3.I.12 and 3.I.13

Recently, there appears to be some confusion on how the Contract provisions for deadhead deviation apply. It is first important to know that front end and back end deviation are handled differently. There are specific procedures that must be followed based on whether you are first segment or last segment deviating and if you are a lineholder or a Reserve.

When deviating on the back end there is a difference with a distinction when you are a “deviating” and when you are asking to be scheduled to “return home early.” If the company rebooks you to deadhead home early, your pairing will be updated and your duty rigs will be recalculated based on your early arrival home.

If, on the other hand, you are simply “deviating”, you will be paid for the pairing duty rig based on your scheduled arrival back to base.

Depending on whether you are flying domestic or international, lineholders may be required to “provide notice” to or require approval from Crew Scheduling. In every instance, a Flight Attendant serving Reserve requires Crew Scheduling approval to deviate.

Section 3.I.12. and 3.I.13. of Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA), cover first and last segment deadhead deviations. Additional information can be referenced in our AFA E-Lines publication, dated March 24, 2017 and this includes the detailed steps a Flight Attendant must follow when deviating from the first or last segment of a pairing whether a lineholder or a Reserve.